How to Get a Library Science Degree
Are you interested in become a librarian or another related type of information or data professional. Then you should find out what is involved in earning a degree in library science. As a librarian or an information professional, you will help people in public and private libraries find information and books in both paper and electronic form.
You will instruct library users how to properly search for and evaluate many types of information.
Also, you will classify, organize and catalog information on paper and digitally so that members of the public can find them. There also are many other types of jobs that you can obtain when you have a library science degree, including:
Project Manager
Web Analytics Manager
Documentation Specialist
Curator
Archival Consultant
Head of Learning Resources Center
Information Resources Specialist
Requirements to Become a Librarian
The requirements to become a librarian vary depending upon the state in which you live. However, most library positions will require you to have a bachelor’s degree in some area of the liberal arts, and a master’s in library science. In many states you will need to pass a test by the test to work in many public libraries, and you may need to get a teaching certificate to be a librarian in many public schools.
At this time, there are 50 library science programs in the United States that are accredited by the American Library Association. It is recommended that you do earn a master’s degree that is accredited by this organization so that you have the best employment chances.
Courses to Earn Your Library Science Degree
When you enroll in a library science program either online or on campus, you will need to take classes that include library science history and literature evolution. Also, you will take classes in research, information organization and collection, IT systems, and methods of library management. Most library science programs may be completed in two years, full time.
Library science specialties you can consider include:
Archival Studies
Knowledge Management
Digital Libraries
School Library Media
Youth Services
Some classes that you may take in your library science program include:
Children Resources
Research in Information Organizations
Information Users and Services
Managing Information Organizations
Social Context of Information Professions
Early Childhood Library Services
Information Development and Management
Academic Libraries
Information Systems Evolution
Information Tools by Computer
Curriculum Resources
Library Science Careers
After you earn your library science degree, you will be eligible for jobs in the private and public sectors. Most librarians work with children at public and school libraries. However, other librarians are able to work at university or college libraries that are paid for by colleges, or at community libraries that the government pays for.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics state that librarians earn a median salary of $54,000 per year. It is true that some librarian fields are growing slower than average – 7%. However, always remember that there are many related jobs where you can put your library science degree to good use. These include some of the professions mentioned and many others where organizing information is vital.